WINNERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION EXCELLENCE AWARD

Mr. Drago is a leading global figure in anti-corruption with more than 30 years of impact. He chaired the OECD Working Group on Bribery from 2014 to 2022, guiding major reforms and contributing to the 2021 Anti-Bribery Recommendation. Previously, as Chair of GRECO at the Council of Europe, he helped advance international standards for combatting corruption.

Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili from Nigeria – Lifetime or Outstanding Achievement Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili is a leading global advocate for transparency and good governance with over 30 years of impact. She co-founded Transparency International and helped shape the Corruption Perceptions Index.

Prof. Nikos Passas from Greece - Academic Research and Education Professor Nikos Passas is a leading global scholar in anti-corruption whose work for more than 35 years. He has authored over 270 publications in 15 languages; his most impactful scholarly contributions are the Legislative Guides for the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.

Dr. Marianne Camerer from South Africa - Academic Research and Education Dr. Marianne Camerer is a leading expert in integrity and governance with nearly three decades of impact across Africa and beyond. Her early work at the Institute for Security Studies shaped foundational thinking on anti-corruption agencies and whistleblowing, influencing national policies such as South Africa’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy.

Ms. Gloria Pallares Vinyoles from Spain - Innovation / Journalism Investigation Ms. Gloria Pallares Vinyolles is an investigative journalist with over a decade of impactful work at the intersection of environmental integrity, Indigenous rights, and anti-corruption.

Mr. Tatenda Chitagu from Zimbabwe - Innovation / Journalism Investigation Mr. Tatenda Chitagu is a courageous investigative journalist whose work blends integrity, accountability, and fearless reporting. He has contributed chapters to internationally published books, including “Anti-Social Media? The Impact of Journalism on Society” and “Investigative Journalism Today: Speaking Truth to Power.” His commitment to rigorous research earned him a six-month fellowship at Oxford University to study the relationship between media and political power in Zimbabwe.

Ms. Andiswa Matikinca from South Africa - Innovation / Journalism Investigation Ms. Andiswa Matikinca is an environmental investigative journalist who has worked with Oxpeckers Investigative Environmental Journalism since 2018. She co-led the groundbreaking 2025 investigation “On the Trail of Lithium Smugglers in Southern Africa” with journalist Tatenda Chitagu, which uncovered a transnational smuggling network exploiting weak border controls and corrupt officials across Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.

Mr. Marr Nyang from The Gambia - Youth Creativity and Engagement Mr. Marr Nyang is one of Africa’s most influential young anti-corruption advocates, driving transformative reforms in The Gambia. As the founder of Gambia Participates, he has strengthened civic engagement, empowered citizens, and advanced national accountability through evidence-based advocacy and courageous action.

Mr. Matiullah Wesa from Afghanistan - Youth Creativity and Engagement Mr. Matiullah Wesa is a courageous education activist and the founder of Pen Path, a civil society organization committed to safeguarding every child’s right to quality education. His mission began after witnessing the severe obstacles Afghan students face especially girls and children in rural areas and the widespread neglect of the education system. These challenges became even clearer when he uncovered systemic corruption within the Ministry of Education, where funds meant for teachers, textbooks, and essential supplies were being diverted.